Everton 'make Troy Deeney top transfer target'

New Everton manager Sam Allardyce has reportedly made Watford captain Troy Deeney his number one transfer target for the January window.

The Toffees are understood to be in the market for a new striker having failed to replace Romelu Lukaku's goals since his summer departure to Manchester United, despite the arrivals of Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramirez and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

ESPN reports that they have now identified Deeney as a top target when the transfer window reopens, having also explored the possibility of signing him during the summer.

Former boss Ronald Koeman reportedly blocked a summer move for the 29-year-old, but Everton director of football Steve Walsh is known to be a keen admirer of the striker having tried to sign him for Leicester City during his time at the King Power Stadium.

Watford are likely to be reluctant to lose their captain midway through the season, but Deeney himself could be open to a move having failed to hold down a regular spot in Marco Silva's side this term.

The skipper has made only four Premier League starts this season, having fallen behind Andre Gray in the pecking order at Vicarage Road.